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May 2022

Having Baby in China as Expat

Having Baby in China as Expat 150 150 China Access Team

Giving Birth in China as a Foreigner. Insurance vs Maternity Packages

This article will only cover health insurance plans that cover maternity benefits for giving birth in China as an expat, overview of those hospitals that are fitted to support giving birth as well as how all of it is different if you simply purchase a maternity package from a medical facility. 

Having baby in China as an Expat – First Steps

First of all, it worth mentioning that if you are looking for expat health insurance in China to cover medical expenses associated with giving birth, most of those should be purchased in advance. As of January 2020 there are no insurance plans in China that you can purchase if pregnant already. Last option was MSH but they cancelled that plan. Right now most of them will have a minimum waiting period of 6 months and a maximum of 12 months.

Needless to say, all other insurance benefits except maternity is not subject to this waiting period. Meaning, if you get cough, cold or need some physiotherapy for instance, plan will cover it. Maternity waiting limit applies separately. There are however some maternity insurance options that will cover pregnancy expenses from day 1. However, member can’t be pregnant at the point of purchasing a plan. You can get pregnant right after and then costs will be covered during the 1st policy year.

How much does it cost to give birth in China?

Giving birth in a public hospital in China as a foreigner will cost you around RMB 2,000 and RMB 8,000. In those you will have an option to go through VIP or International section, in that case costs will jump up towards RMB 25,000-30,000 mark. While giving birth in private international type hospitals in China will be around RMB 60,000 in costs. Complications, such as c-section, will typically cost twice as much compared to traditional delivery.

Is it free to give birth in China?

Costs for child delivery can be compensated for employed expats in China only as long as they have social insurance through their employer. Keep in mind that this will only be applicable to public government run medical facilities. Not even VIP or International section. For anything extra than that, foreigner shall purchase private medical insurance and opt for international type hospital.

Waiting periods for maternity insurance plan in China

Pay attention to the wording of the waiting period under your insurance plan. In other words, exact definition. Most of insurance plans have general waiting period. Let’s take for example 12 months. That means a person can get pregnant before waiting period is over, but you can only claims expenses that happen after 12 months. If you have such a plan then ideal scenario is to get pregnant towards the end of the first policy year. Thus, first ultrasounds and child delivery itself during second policy year can be covered.

Some insurance companies have a “no pregnancy waiting period”, usually those that have a 6 months time restriction. That means that pregnancy should only occur after 6 months once you purchase a plan. Treating doctor will have to confirm on medical records when pregnancy first occurred. Get in touch with us to lear more what maternity plan might suit your situation best. We will make sure you can go for child delivery in hospital of your choice.

Are fathers allowed in the delivery room in China?

Males are typically not allowed in the delivery room. There is, however, an option with several public hospitals to opt for that option for some extra costs. On average, those will be RMB 3,000-5,000. On the other hand, they are ok to accompany female during pre and post natal care.

I am pregnant already, what are my options?

Getting a regular health insurance to cover child birth in China is not an option any more. So let’s look at 2 options that are still available.

1 – get a medical insurance to cover medical expenses for anything not related to maternity. Most companies like Allianz and Now Health will even cover complications of pregnancy. Should anything go wrong during child delivery in China. This will also allow you to get your baby covered as soon as he/she is born. Refer to health insurance costs in China article to learn more what to expect when considering this.

2- get a maternity package from an international hospital in China. Whatever maternity package costs are, those are roughly 1:1 to carrying medical expenses out of pocket. More on that below.

Maternity Packages from International Hospitals for Foreigners in China

If you happen to live in Tier 1 or Tier 2 city in China, there are some very good international OBGYN hospitals. These facilities explicitly deal with giving birth in China, foreigners can look into those as an option for having baby. Very often those have already pre-set maternity packages that you can get once already pregnant. Keep in mind, it won’t cover complications should child for example be born pre-mature. Or require some treatment in ICU. This is what insurance is for. Maternity package mostly will still cover complications of birth related to mother. Which is still better than no cover at all, right. If you need help and discounts on arranging any of that please get in touch so we can help.

What hospital are good for giving birth in China as an expat?

Jiahui International Hospital in Shanghai has already become one of the most popular international hospitals for foreigners in Shanghai. They do also have their own fertility clinic. Through this they offer maternity package that currently goes for RMB 45,000 for traditional delivery and RMB 70,000 for c-section. More on this on Jiahui Hospital Shanghai

American Sino Hospital in Shanghai is another very popular option for expats on giving birth in Shanghai. Compared to Jiahui Health, they have much more options available as OBGYN is the core of their medical practice.

Giving Birth in China as Expat

Delivery packages are ranging between RMB 45,000 and 90,000. Depending on how comprehensive you want it to be. They even have maternity packages just for pre or post natal only without child delivery. Those are somewhere in the range of RMB 5,000 and RMB 20,000. American Sino also partners with several smaller tier clinics such as Worldpath International Shanghai and help them with their client. In particular with Worldpath you can still undergo pre natal checks at there location in Lujiazui, but for giving birth (child delivery itself) they will arrange you a visit at American Sino’s facility in Xuhui hospital. American Sino Shanghai and Worldpath International Shanghai

Giving birth in Shanghai

United Family Shanghai Hospital offers various maternity packages too. Just pre-natal will run you for RMB 28,000 only. Traditional (vaginal) child delivery will be RMB 59,000 while if you get this together with pre natal then total will be only RMB 82,000 per package. Going further for section+pre natal will be coming towards RMB 111,000 price tag. On top of those they do also sell pre-conception, early pregnancy check up as well as late stage prenatal check up for foreigners giving birth in Shanghai. United Family Shanghai (UFH Shanghai)

Ferguson Health Shanghai (previously known as Read Leaf Hospital) is ready to help expats and foreigners with child delivery regardless how complicated it can be. Dr Ferguson is ready to provide you not only with maternity packages that range somewhere between RMB 40,000 and RMB 120,000 but also teaching classes on various different topics you might be interested about giving birth in China for expats. At some point they even used to provide pre natal yoga classes for you to get familia with body movements and restrictions during pregnancy. Ferguson Health Shanghai

Giving birth in Beijing

OASIS International Hospital Beijing. Giving birth in Beijing for expats, you definitely will come across this medical facility. It is one of the biggest and well equipped international hospitals in Beijing to assist you with having baby in China. Maternity packages range somewhere between RMB 45,000 and RMB 85,000. On the other hand, there is whole bunch of other things available too, such as pre natal packages on their own, as well as pre conception check ups. Those are one of the most comprehensive in the city, below are details. OASIS Hospital Beijing

AmCare Hospital Beijing will be a slightly cheaper version of OASIS. They do have less maternity packages available but are still able to provide routine delivery and pre natal checks. Such will cost around RMB 60,000. While for actual giving birth they will send you to a main hospital in Haidian district, regular ultrasounds and check ups can be arranged in any of the other 4 clinics across the city. AmCare Hospital Beijing

Beijing Antai Hospital. Those of us who are looking to have a water birth in Beijing have came across that medical facility on a number of forums. One of the very few places in capital that can arrange it. Additionally, very reasonably priced for such services. All of it will run you just a bit over RMB 35,000 for a package. Antai Hospital Beijing

Eden Hospital Beijing. Probably one of the biggest hospitals operating in downtown. Compared to regular players like OASIS or United Family they don’t employ as many foreign doctors. Pre natal check ups and giving birth in Beijing with them will cost you around RMB 60,000. Eden Hospital Beijing 

Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU). When it comes to giving birth in China as an expat, United Family been on the market longest amongst other private medical facilities. Very similarly priced as Shanghai. Pre natal and regular giving birth in this hospital will cost you around RMB 83,000. Should you wish to switch to Caesarean section as a way to having a child then costs will be slightly above RMB 110,000 per package. United Family Beijing 

Other cities

Raffles Medical is a huge chain of medical facilities across the entire Asia. In China they have hospitals and clinic in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Chongqing, Tianjin, Chengdu and Shenzhen. While pre and post natal care will be available in all of them, only hospitals can help you with child delivery in China. Others will refer you to their partner local hospital which is still a good options because they will be the one arranging everything on your behalf. Raffles Medical China

Support from community when having a child in China

If you are particularly new to China and want to get some suggestion or hints from a fellow foreigners in the country regarding particular issues on giving birth in China then following links might be helpful. Major cities like Shanghai and Beijing have a relatively large expat communities where you can benefit from a local knowledge of a fellow expat. Shanghaimamas is one example of a community of local expatriate females sharing hints with each other on how to best handle their kids in the city.

ShanghaiFamily is another great resource of getting best knowledge of the local life from expatriates in the city. Beijing-Kids will be a similar online source for getting information about having children in China as a foreigner in case you live in the capital. EasyExpat and ExpatArrivals are rather general forum based websites where expats and foreigners can ask questions to be answered by other expats, those are not limited to a particular city but rather cover China nationwide.

Our Editorial Team

David Shield Health Insurance

David Shield Health Insurance 150 150 China Access Team

David Shield Health Insurance in China

Founded in late 1990s David Shield has offices across Europe and Oceania. David Shield provides a unique one stop solution where members don’t have to deal with paying out of pocket. Or submitting claims for reimbursement. All of this is available with David Card (sometimes referred to as Passportcard). Members shall notify insurance company prior getting outpatient treatment and David Shield will fund the card with the right amount (available only outside of US). It is basically a MasterCard that will be funded with the money for you to pay at the medical facility. Obviously, once the pre authorization is completed.

David Shield has a team of dedicated medical professionals should their clients decide to go for a second medical opinion. Alternatively, in case they simply wish to talk to them first before scheduling appointment at any medical institution.

  • maximum duration for claim reimbursement – 5 days. Once they receive all the supporting documents
  • in case there is any violation of service agreement, David Shield will pay out $25 to its clients once the internal investigation is completed
  • one of the few companies that has toll free Skype hotline

David Shield is by far the most popular insurance solution among the global Jewish community. Plans vary a lot in its benefits but only options available for cover area is either Worldwide or Worldwide excluding US. Davidcard or Passport card is also known as a real time insurance solution. It pays out medical expenses without any need for claiming them back.

Davidshield Health Insurance Plans Overview

Below is summary of what David Shield and Passport Card health insurance plans look like for clients.

Cigna Health Insurance in China

Cigna Health Insurance in China 150 150 China Access Team

Cigna Health Insurance in China

In China Cigna promotes health insurance plans under 2 different entities: Cigna Global whose plans are out of Europe with servicing from UAE and Cigna CMB. Last one is being a local entity that is in joint venture with China Merchants Bank and that was designed explicitly to service China residents. Expats and foreigners in China can purchase either of those Cigna Insurance plans.

Cigna CMB Health Insurance for Foreigners and Expatriates

Cigna CMB is one of the largest players on health insurance market in China when it comes to large corporate accounts such as international schools and MNCs. Which is why a lot of expats in China still prefer to buy Cigna insurance plan once they leave their employers and need to get insurance for China on their own. Particularly because of years of outstanding services both within and outside of China. Some of the most noticeable remarks of Cigna are:

  • outstanding direct billing both in and outside of the country
  • one of the highest dental limits of the market, there is an add-on that has RMB 30k limit for your dental visits
  • relatively good price increase each year of around 5% during the past 8 years (excluding age band increases)

Cons

  • individual plans are by far less attractive compared to another regular International insurance provider in China
  • price could be more competitive for the benefits they offer in comparison to other major players like Allianz or Aetna

Below is executive summary of what 3 insurance plans from Cigna looks like. If you are looking to get Cigna insurance plan for you and your family please get in touch.

Cigna Health Insurance China

Source: Cigna China Website at http://www.cignacmb.com/ , Cigna Corporate plans overview

Our Editorial Team

Bupa Health Insurance in China

Bupa Health Insurance in China 150 150 China Access Team

Bupa China Expat Health Insurance

Executive summary: as of November 2023 Bupa has officially quitted China market. Neither individual nor corporate plans are available for sale or renewal. However, servicing is currently ongoing without issues. Our prediction, soon enough one of major insurance companies will purchase their entire portfolio.

Same as most other international insurance providers in China, Bupa partnered with one of the local players Alltrust (AIC). Most of their servicing is done out of Beijing where the entity is headquartered. While traveling overseas or in case any international assistance is needed, members will be contacting Bupa Global team. These guys are available worldwide 24/7. For US they have partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield that helps them servicing clients in States. So expats in China can buy Bupa insurance plan that can either service them locally in the country or including US.

If you take average premium ratio over the entire client portfolio in the country, Bupa is #1. Their members pay the most for their health insurance. Bupa is one of the oldest and major insurance powerhouses in the world. Yet, they are not as big as Allianz considering sales volumes but have a higher retention & renewal rate on their policies. However, outstanding direct billing with international hospitals in Shanghai and Beijing make it painless for expatriates to use their health insurance plan for China.

Bupa Health Insurance in China – Plans Overview

Bupa plans can be portable to pretty much any country except US. High price comes with high benefits, take for example Elite plan. This one is currently the option that gets you highest benefits on maternity. Dental and vaccination limits are also one of the highest on the market.

  • Global experience with local strengths – With a health plan from Alltrust, Bupa Global and Blue Cross Blue Shield Global. You benefit from the combined strength
  • Access to medical providers worldwide – You’ll have access to over 1.2 million medical providers worldwide
  • Convenient claiming process – At many hospitals and clinics we can settle bills directly
  • 24/7 Support – Our experienced advisers are based in China, speak Mandarin and English. Both are available 24 hours day, 365 days a year.

Overview of Bupa China health insurance for expats looks as follows. If you are looking for Bupa health insurance in China please get in touch so we can get you most price competitive quotes.

Bupa Health Insurance China

Overview of Bupa Health Insurance Plans

Source: Bupa China Website

A+ International Health Insurance in China

A+ International Health Insurance in China 150 150 China Access Team

A Plus / A+ International Health Insurance in China

You can get A Plus Health Insurance plans either if you are an individual or a corporate client. Headquartered in Hong Kong, since 2008 they have offered medical health plans around the world with a network of over 10000 doctors, hospitals and clinics under their direct billing list in more than 130 countries. Expatriates in China don’t tend to purchase much of their plans due to the fact that they do not have direct billing services with major international hospitals in Beijing and Shanghai.

They have one of the longest grace periods for submitting claims, up to 2 years from the day of treatment whereas industry average is more or less around 6 months up to a year. When it comes to health insurance for China, usually only Hong Kong nationals consider purchasing A+ China Expat Health Insurance plans as if they are looking for good services back home.

A+ Health Insurance Plans Overview

Although their global plans are in line with the market price for similar benefits form other providers, they do have quite interested tailored solutions covering South East Asia only, available for residents of that region excluding Singapore. Details below:

A Plus Health Insurance in ChinaKey partners they rely on when servicing and underwriting their plans are AXA and MAI (Medical Administrators International), last one being the third party agent responsible for claims and direct billing under the plan. A+ is one of the very few companies that covers Traditional Chinese Medicines in full up to the limits of the plan. Most their plans don’t have limit on outpatient care which is what same clients prefer about them.

Major drawback of these plans is that they are not portable. Meaning, if you leave your place of residency, you cannot continue on the same level of cover elsewhere.

Source: A Plus International website aplusii.com

AXA Tianping Health Insurance

AXA Tianping Health Insurance 150 150 China Access Team

AXA Tianping Health Insurance in China

AXA Tianping health insurance plans are available for both individuals as well as corporate members in China. This is the biggest AXA entity in terms of sales volume of health insurance products in China. Followed by ICBC AXA and AXA PPP. This is a merger between AXA itself and one of the largest motor vehicle insurance providers in China – Tianping. Foreigners and expats in China can purchase health insurance plan from either of those entities. Moreover, each is serviced separately and have good relationship and services with most major international hospitals in China.

Currently AXA TP is one of the largest foreign insurance providers on SME and Property&Casualty plans. AXA Tianping P&C Insurance also provides corporate property insurance, family property insurance, and health insurance.

In China they have a very wide range of health insurance options available. For instance, starting from child only plan and all the way to a more luxury solution named Prestige. This plan, in particular, is one of the best known plans on the market to cover pre-existing medical conditions. All such are available for both locals and expats in China.

AXA Tianping Health Insurance Plans Overview

Below is executive summary of what AXA Tianping health insurance plans look like in China for expatriates and foreigners.

AXA TP Health Insurance

Pros

  • One of the largest direct billing list in the country
  • Portable to most EU and Asian countries should you decide to leave China
  • Child only plan

Cons

  • Pricing could be more attractive
  • Dental benefits have a sub-limit of RMB 500-800 for cleaning. Clearly, this is not enough for most private institutions in Tier 1 cities

It is a very different situation if we look at corporate plans. AXA there is definitely on elf the top supplies on the market. Insurance plans can be tailored in many ways. This includes both servicing as well as policy structures.

Source: AXA China website axa.cn and Bloomberg

Refer to our ultimate list on general overview of insurance companies in China.

AXA PPP Health Insurance

AXA PPP Health Insurance 150 150 China Access Team

AXA PPP Health Insurance

Founder: AXA Health
Founded: 2009
Headquarters: Kent, United Kingdom
Parent organization: AXA Health

AXA has a number of subsidiaries dealing with individual and corporate insurance plans. The Axa Group operates primarily in Western Europe, North America, the India Pacific region and the Middle East. Additionally, they are also one of the largest in Africa region. Axa is a conglomerate of independently-run businesses, that operates according to the laws and regulations of many countries. However, on China legal entities that are under local authorities are ICBC AXA and AXA TianPing. At current, you can still purchase AXA PPP Health Insurance in China but that will be through their overseas office. Under such entity, they don’t have local team to service foreigners and expatriates here. For that, you better consider plans from two other legal entities of AXA that are licensed in the country.

First of all, if you have an existing AXA PPP policy, all of it’s servicing is done out of UK. Primarily, without hotline in China to help you in emergencies. AXA Group headquarters is however located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. Group itself is engaged in more operations than just selling private medical insurance. For instance, range of solutions they offer are covering as little as insurance for rented apartment. Ultimately, all the way to investment solutions in most of the EU countries.

AXA PPP Health Insurance Plans Overview

Below is executive summary of all AXA health insurance plans with limits.

AXA PPP Health Insurance Plans Overview

Source: AXA Health at axahealth.co.uk and AXA Group at axa.com

Overall speaking, if you are a long term expat in China – you will be better with a licensed insurance plan here. AXA, as well as many other companies, realized the importance of local market. Thus, all major companies opened local entities. Those are primarily for servicing local clients as well as foreigners in China. Better advantages include local support as well as direct billing.

If you are looking for the best health insurance in China, click on this link to learn more. 

Did you know that smoking and drinking can impact your health insurance cover?

AIG Health Insurance in China

AIG Health Insurance in China 150 150 China Access Team

AIG Health Insurance in China

American International Group, Inc. (AIG) , founded in 1919, today AIG member companies provide a wide range of property casualty insurance. Additionally, life insurance, retirement products, and other financial services to customers in more than 80 countries and jurisdictions. At present, AIG Health Insurance in China is only available for corporate clients. More on that below.

AIG China Health Insurance Overview

Currently in China they only sell group (corporate) medical plans, meaning individual and families can’t buy them on their own but only as part of an employer benefits scheme.

AIG Insurance Company China Limited (AIG China), a subsidiary of American International Group (AIG), is a licensed insurance company in China, with branches operating in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong Province – Shenzhen, Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces.

AIG Consumer Insurance is a unique franchise that brings together a broad portfolio of accident and health management, travel and property casualty products offered through a wide distribution network.

Same as many other insurance providers, their SME plans are available for companies starting from 5 employees. The more employees enrolled, the more flexible benefits can be adjusted. For instance, once the total count is 20 employees and above, AIG can let you tailor almost all benefits.

Source: AIG China website aig.com.cn

Surprisingly, their China website is only available in Mandarin. Whereas, ongoing servicing for clients is bilingual. Same applies for all policy documents.

We are China licensed health insurance brokers, our mission is to help expats and foreigners find the best insurance. 

AIA Health Insurance

AIA Health Insurance 150 150 China Access Team

AIA Health Insurance in China

AIA is one of the largest independent publicly listed Asian life insurance group, currently present in 18 Asian markets. AIA health insurance in China is popular among foreigners due to below reasons.

AIA China provides a full line of life, accident and medical insurance products to customers through a multi-channel distribution system. Their comprehensive range of employee benefits of group insurance products and services include group life and accident, group medical and voluntary solutions. They have outstanding relationships with most private and international hospitals in major cities across China.

While expats can purchase health insurance online, it is not yet available in all the provinces.

AIA Health Insurance Plans Overview

Unique selling points for China expat health insurance from AIA:

  • AIA wellness app, chronic disease management, green channel and telemedicine
  • Bilingual WeChat and e-service platform. Self-service anytime and anywhere
  • AIA online e-benefits portal. Includes claim forms, claim history review, network provider search, benefit summary, member guides
  • Dedicated 24/7 service hotline. Convenient access to customer services in both Chinese and English

Source: AIA website aia.com

Generally speaking, plans are rich in benefits but lack certain service point. In particular, direct billing, as well as speed for claims turnaround. While, direct billing is available in major cities, you will be surprised to not find in Tier 2-3 places. Despite being one of the biggest insurance companies in Asia, their China Mainland website is only available in Mandarin.

Here is overview of some of the long term plans they have. Available for up to 20 years.

AIA China Health Insurance

Keep in mind, in most cases renewal terms is subject to claims data. This in particular applies to all individual and family plans.

If you are looking to compare online health insurance in China, get in touch with us so we can help you within 24 hours.